Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread
musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These “tender
points” refer to sensitivity that occurs
in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders
and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep
disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and
other symptoms.

Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that cause pain when pressed.

There are 9 pairs of tender points. Each pair has one point on each side of the body for a total of 18 points.

The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in a larger area.

The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics provides
evidence that chiropractic care may offer some relief for those who
suffer from fibromyalgia.

According to the American College of Rheumatology,
fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in
women of childbearing age, though men, children, and the elderly may
also be affected. Currently, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown
and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, it is
very difficult to diagnose.

The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:

• Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.
• Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed.

Other symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or
diarrhea, headache, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the
hands and severe or excessive fatigue.

Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.

A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
stated that more than 60% of the participants who underwent thirty
chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity
and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.

Your chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating and
designing a specific care plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Nutrition, exercise and regular chiropractic adjustments have all shown
to play a role in
reducing pain and other symptoms, while improving whole body health.

A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that patients
who participated in aerobic exercises twice per week for one hour over
a 12 week period, were twice as likely to report feeling “much better” or “very much better” than those who did not participate.

Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and
connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the
joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its
optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor
of Chiropractic for more information about a care program that may
include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations,
nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your
health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.